Continuing Course of Conduct with a Child lawyer Howard County, MD
Facing an allegation of continuing course of conduct with a child in Howard County, Maryland, is overwhelming. This charge involves a pattern of sexual abuse against a minor and carries the potential for decades in prison, lifetime sex offender registration, and permanent damage to your family, career, and reputation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., with more than 120 years of combined legal experience between Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel and over 4,739 documented firm-wide results, defends individuals accused of serious sex crimes in Howard County courts. Results may vary. Our team understands how the District Court of MD for Howard County and the Howard County Circuit Court handle these matters, and we work to build a thorough defense that addresses the evidence, challenges the prosecution’s narrative, and protects your rights. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What Continuing Course of Conduct with a Child Means in Howard County
Under Maryland law, a continuing course of conduct with a child involves multiple acts of sexual abuse against a minor over a designated period. The offense reflects an ongoing pattern rather than a single incident, making it one of the most severely prosecuted sex crimes in the state. In Howard County, these cases are investigated by local law enforcement and prosecuted by the State’s Attorney for Howard County, often relying on forensic interviews, digital evidence, and Experienced professional testimony.
The Howard County Circuit Court, located at 3451 Courthouse Drive in Ellicott City, handles all felony sex crime trials arising from this charge. Because the alleged victim is a child, the proceedings include special protections and procedures that can make a defense more complex. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Appears regularly in this court and understands the local practices, judicial expectations, and prosecutorial strategies that shape how a continuing-course-of-conduct case unfolds. A conviction triggers mandatory registration on the Maryland sex offender registry, with tier classification determining how long you must report—Tier I for 15 years, Tier II for 25 years, or Tier III for life—and the collateral consequences that follow.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Sex Crime Cases
When we represent a client facing a continuing course of conduct with a child charge, our approach begins immediately—often before formal charges are filed. If law enforcement contacts you, we advise you not to speak with investigators without counsel present. Early involvement can shape the direction of the investigation and, in some instances, prevent charges from being brought at all.
Once a case is underway, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel examine every piece of evidence: the forensic interviews of the alleged victim, the circumstances under which statements were obtained, the chain of custody for any physical or digital evidence, and the credibility of witnesses. We file pretrial motions where appropriate to challenge the admissibility of evidence or to seek suppression of statements obtained in violation of your rights. At every stage, we communicate directly with prosecutors—drawing on the prosecutorial experience within our team to identify weaknesses in the state’s case and to negotiate, when possible, a resolution that reduces the consequences for you and your family. Our goal is to protect your freedom and future while ensuring you receive a fair process.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has been representing individuals in criminal matters since 1997. A former prosecutor, he brings a firsthand understanding of how the state builds and tries serious felony cases. He is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, and he personally oversees the firm’s most sensitive sex crime defense matters.
Mr. Sris’s Of Counsel team includes a former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney who prosecuted criminal cases in both District and Circuit Courts. This prosecutorial background gives our clients a valuable perspective: we know how Howard County prosecutors evaluate evidence, which arguments they find most persuasive, and when a negotiated outcome may serve the client better than a trial. Over 120 years of combined legal experience between Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel and over 4,739 documented firm-wide results support the defense work we do for every person we represent. Results may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is continuing course of conduct with a child under Maryland law?
A continuing course of conduct with a child in Maryland involves three or more acts of sexual abuse against a minor over a period of 90 days or more. The offense treats the pattern as a single continuous crime, but each underlying act may also be charged separately. The victim must be under 14 years old at the time of the abuse, and the prosecution must prove that the acts were part of a common scheme or plan. This charge is a felony and is handled exclusively in the Howard County Circuit Court. Because of the serious penalties and the complexity of proving a pattern, a detailed defense strategy is critical from the outset. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
What are the penalties for continuing course of conduct with a child in Maryland?
A conviction for continuing course of conduct with a child in Maryland is a felony punishable by a significant term of imprisonment, and it requires lifetime sex offender registration in many cases. Maryland law imposes harsh penalties for sex crimes against children, including lengthy prison sentences—for example, rape in the first degree carries up to life imprisonment, and other felony sex offenses can result in decades behind bars. The court also may order probation, sex offender treatment, and restrictions on contact with minors. The specific sentence depends on the nature of the acts, the age of the victim, and the defendant’s criminal history. Because the consequences are severe, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel work to challenge the government’s evidence and seek the least restrictive outcome possible. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Does a continuing course of conduct with a child require sex offender registration in Maryland?
Yes, a conviction for continuing course of conduct with a child results in mandatory Maryland sex offender registration. Maryland’s registry has three tiers: Tier I requires 15 years of registration, Tier II requires 25 years, and Tier III requires lifetime registration. Because this charge involves a child victim and multiple acts, it is likely to result in a Tier III classification, meaning you must register for life. Registration imposes strict residency, employment, and reporting requirements, and failure to comply is itself a criminal offense. Defense counsel can sometimes negotiate a plea to an offense that does not require registration or results in a lower tier, but this depends heavily on the facts. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.
What should I do if I am charged with continuing course of conduct with a child in Howard County?
If you are charged with continuing course of conduct with a child in Howard County, Maryland, exercise your right to remain silent and contact an experienced sex crime defense lawyer immediately. Do not discuss the allegations with law enforcement, family members, or anyone else except your attorney. Preserve any documents, electronic devices, and communications that may relate to the case, but do not attempt to contact the alleged victim or their family. An attorney can intervene early to protect you during the investigation, guide you through the initial appearance and bond hearing, and begin crafting a defense that addresses the specific evidence the state intends to present. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
How does a defense lawyer challenge evidence in a Howard County sex crime case?
A skilled defense lawyer in Howard County challenges the prosecution’s evidence by examining the forensic interview process, the reliability of witness testimony, and the chain of custody for physical evidence. In cases involving child victims, the forensic interview is often the centerpiece; if the interview was suggestive, improperly conducted, or violated the defendant’s rights, an attorney may file a motion to exclude it. Digital evidence—text messages, social media, or computer records—must be authenticated and shown to belong to the defendant. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel scrutinize every piece of discovery for weaknesses and, where appropriate, retain independent attorneys to challenge the state’s forensic conclusions. The goal is to create reasonable doubt or persuade the prosecutor to reduce the charges before trial. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Can I avoid a conviction for continuing course of conduct with a child in Maryland?
It is possible to avoid a conviction through a successful defense that exposes weaknesses in the state’s case or through a negotiated resolution that results in a reduced charge. The feasibility depends on the strength of the evidence, the credibility of the complaining witness, and the thoroughness of the investigation. In some instances, charges are dismissed before trial when evidence is suppressed or when the prosecutor determines the case cannot be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. In others, a plea to a less serious offense that does not carry lifetime registration may be achievable. Every case is different, and no attorney can guarantee a particular outcome. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a thorough evaluation of your case and works toward the most favorable resolution possible. Results may vary.
Additional resources for sex crime defense in Maryland: Montgomery County Sex Crimes Lawyer · Prince George’s County Sex Crimes Lawyer · Anne Arundel County Sex Crimes Lawyer
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case. Results may vary.
For further background applying beyond Howard County, see continuing course of conduct with a child in Maryland.